Constitution

The official name of our association is the Science Education Research Group, also known as SERG.

2.0 Purpose

2.1 The SERG is a group of people whose research interests and expertise relate to science education interpreted in the broadest sense.

2.2 The SERG will promote research and the exchange of ideas regarding science education by organizing sessions within the context of the Canadian Society for the Study of Education’s annual conference. It will also promote any other activity, which the assembly deems pertinent.

2.3 The purpose of the SERG is to represent a national voice of science education research in Canada.

3.0 Organization

3.1 The SERG must hold its annual meeting within the confines of CSSE’s annual conference.

4.0 Membership

4.1 The members of the SERG are those members of the Canadian Association of Curriculum Studies (CACS) and the Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE) who self identify on the membership forms as a SERG member.

4.2 Membership fees for the SERG are set each year at the annual general meeting. These fees are payable each year and are due by January 1.

4.3 Members in good standing of the SERG CAN:

vote at the annual general annual meeting;

nominate candidates for positions on the executive of the SERG;

hold positions themselves on the SERG’s executive;

benefit from any services offered by the SERG.

5.0 Members of the executive

5.1 The SERG’s executive is comprised of:

the position of president;

the position of past-president;

the position of vice-president;

the position of secretary;

the position of Francophone representative;

the position of student representative;

the position of communications officer.

5.2 The vice-president is elected at the annual meeting for a period of one year. After this period, the vice-president automatically becomes president of the SERG for the following year.

5.3 The secretary/ treasurer is elected at the annual meeting for a period of one year.

6.0 Responsibilities of the executive

6.1 The President is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the SERG’s business. In addition, the President is responsible for representing the SERG within CACS and promoting SERG as a voice for science Education Research in Canada. S/he also takes care of the SERG’s finances.

6.2 The Vice-President agrees to work collaboratively with the president to ensure the smooth running of the SERG’s business, including taking primary responsibility as Program
Chair for organizing the contributions to the annual meeting. This will include coordination of the proposal reviews, contact with authors, and preparation of the SERG program.

6.3 The Secretary is responsible for preparing and distributing the minutes of the annual meeting. S/he maintains an up-dated list of members and facilities appropriate communication among the members.

6.4 The Past President provides continuity and is responsible for organizing the nominations of candidates for the executive.

6.5 The Communications Officer coordinates ongoing communication with SERG membership. S/he maintains the SERG web site, listserv, Facebook page, and other means of promoting science and SERG to membership and a broader audience. S/he may be supported in this role by Graduate Student Representatives and other members of SERG as necessary.

7.0 Amendments to the SERG’s constitution

7.1 Amendments to the SERG’s constitution are voted on at the annual meeting. To be effective, at least 60% of the members present at the meeting must consent to the changes.

7.2 Proposed amendments to the SERG’s constitution must be received, by all members in good standing, at least 60 days before the annual meeting.

8.0 Other regulations and rules

The SERG is also subject to the rules and regulations of CSSE and CACS.